Ding Dong Lounge rocks Nexo, DiGiCo, Quest, Xilica and Apex equipment

AUSTRALIA: Live music venue Ding Dong Lounge in Melbourne, Australia is attempting to up the ante for rock venues nationally with the addition of a new PA system installed by sales and integration company Soundcorp. Ding Dong’s new sound system now consists of Nexo GEO and PS loudspeakers, a DiGiCo SD9 digital mixer, Quest foldback, Xilica DSP and Apex level control.   

As a member of the Australian punk rock band The Comic Psychos, Ding Dong’s owner, Bill Walsh, is a man who understands his rock ’n’ roll. ‘Bill Walsh knows what it’s like to be up on the stage,’ said Soundcorp’s Scott Jamieson. ‘He knew what he wanted the system to achieve.’ 

As a result of the venue’s clear vision, the system design became a collaborative effort between the in-house production manager Wil Burtson, distributor Group Technolgies’ Drew Menard and Scott Jamieson. Mr Burtson bought experience of Nexo PA systems and DiGiCo mixing consoles earned whilst touring, technical sales specialist Mr Menard helped Mr Burtson with system design and computer modelling, and Mr Jamieson project managed the install, helping integrate BOH and FOH systems.

‘We all discussed some of the short falls in the previous system,’ explained Mr Menard. ‘They included coverage, horsepower and sound on stage. That’s one of the big issues with smaller venues – what’s happening with the PA drastically affects what’s happening on stage. We wanted to make sure both the FOH and foldback systems worked cohesively.’

FOH at Ding Dong now includes a Nexo GEO S1230 and GEO S1210, with low end extension provided from four LS600 subs. PS8s are used as sides fill and PSR10R2s run as infill, all powered by NX amps. Foldback on stage is provided by Quest 12MP wedges powered with Camco. All processing is handled by Xilica processors in the rack, with control panels installed throughout the venue to let staff switch operational modes and control volumes.

In the driver’s seat is DiGiCo’s compact SD-9 digital mixer. ‘Having toured forever and used everything, I use nothing but a DiGiCo if possible,’ said Mr Burtson. ‘It’s musical without changing colour, and it does what you tell it to do.’

Attempting to keep the venue sweet with its neighbours, an Apex Hera sound level controller and Apex Argos sound level limiter constantly monitor and control levels during its Weekender club nights. ‘It ensures that the room stays between 101 to 95dB, saving both our licence and staff’s hearing,’ Mr Burtson explained. ‘From midnight, we are a club, and without this system I doubt we would still be trading.’ 

The system has been winning accolades from locals and touring crew alike. ‘The younger touring engineers coming through from Sydney and Brisbane are just gobsmacked,’ he said. ‘They’re all totally envious and point out that they have nothing like this in their cities.’

Mr Burtson is also keen to point out that it wasn’t only the gear, but also the process of fitting it that was easy. ‘It was one of the most painless, transparent PA installs I could imagine. Soundcorp’s support has been fantastic.'

‘I do a lot of work with Soundcorp and I’m always impressed by the support that they give their customers,’ Mr Menard concurred. ‘Whether its design questions at the outset or last minute requirements, they’ve always got their customers’ needs in mind.’  

Soundcorp’s Scott Jamieson takes the compliment with humility, adding  ‘It’s one of the cleanest, best quality installs I’ve seen. The job the install team did was phenomenal, as well as on time and on budget.’

www.dingdonglounge.com.au
www.gtaust.com
www.soundcorp.com.au